What If?

Maybe you guys are like me and are wondering or have wondered one time what's does God want you to do if they don't even apologize.  Have you ever thought about that one? Seriously, if you guys have never thought about that, let me give you my thoughts. Let me give you my Deep Thoughts. :-)

Okay, let's just say for example you have a dear friend who you have known for a really long time. Keep in mind, I have no idea, this is just an example. But your friend did the unthinkable and hurt you so bad. Your friend cheated on you with your best friend. Dun Dun Dun! What are you to do? More like, what would God like you to do?

The answer to that is quite easy yet it is also very hard. The common answer/answers coming from a normal human being is be angry, act angry, maybe retaliate in the most hurtful of ways or perhaps give them the silent treatment. As former Chicago Bulls player, Craig Hodges said, silence is violence. Basically, you probably won't forgive the person.

Now, let me try to make some free throws with some of the points I've made. I want to share what I think God would prefer. Well, it's a given you're going to be angry. It's also a given that you're probably going to want to act angry. I think God understands that. He was human so he probably felt that as well at some point of his human/God life. However, it doesn't really say anywhere in the Bible that he acted out on his feelings of being angry in a negative way. I guess that's how he wants us to be. I'm not saying it's how we all are though. I've heard my pastor say that if you are still angry at someone and you can't control yourself. Or, if you are about to communicate with that person, then leave the person's presence immediately. Go to another room.  Maybe punch a wall, but try not to. Try yelling at the wall, venting all your feelings out. Do you really think retaliation will help? I think it will do nothing but not help. It will only hurt. The dagger will just go deeper and deeper.

Then, when you have calmed down, go and speak to the person in a more civil way. I can't advise you on what to talk about, but I will just say follow God's words about speaking softly and gently and so on and so forth.

Avoidance or giving the silent treatment? That does seem like the easy way out, doesn't it? True, but I don't think God wants his people to hold grudges over people's head. I definitely am not one to talk because I struggle with that a lot, but it's okay.  Remember I'm a work in progress.  I am trying to change.

Keeping silent, and not voicing your feelings can only harbor more pain. Isn't the goal to be redeemed of the pain? Friends, I think you know what I'm trying to say. And, that is we have got to forgive the person that hurt us. Gosh, it is so hard! If you don't feel like the Lord wants you to overtly forgive the person at this current time, that's fine, but forgive the person in your heart. Coming from a client of this I say the Lord will help you to forgive the person. Just ask for his help now!

Matthew West: Forgiveness

Encouraging thought of the day:

God wants you to forgive that person. He doesn't want you to lose a friend. It's all good friend

Ephesians 4:32 ESV

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Matthew 6:14-15 ESV

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Luke 6:37 ESV

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;